Uckfield Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Uckfield’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure 33.8% below the UK average of 6.8. This places the town among the safest areas in the country. Violence and sexual offences (23 incidents) accounted for 33.8% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (14 cases) at 20.6% and shoplifting (9 cases) at 13.2%. These figures align with Uckfield’s character as a built-up area within Wealden, where lower population density and limited nightlife contribute to relatively low violent crime rates. Seasonal factors also appear to influence trends, with post-holiday periods typically seeing reduced retail activity and fewer outdoor crimes. However, the town’s retail sector remains vulnerable, as shoplifting rates slightly exceed the UK average. The overall crime profile suggests a community where property crimes and anti-social behaviour dominate, but where violent crime remains suppressed. This balance may reflect both the area’s social fabric and its geographic context, with fewer high-density urban spaces driving more severe offences. The data also highlights a consistent gap between Uckfield’s crime rates and national benchmarks, reinforcing its position as a low-crime locality despite the recent uptick in drug-related incidents.

The most striking shift in January 2026 was the 100% increase in drug-related offences, with incidents rising from 1 to 2. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in weapons possession and other unspecified crimes, points to emerging local trends. Conversely, burglary dropped sharply by two-thirds, from 3 to 1, a decline consistent with seasonal patterns and reduced foot traffic in retail areas. Violence and sexual offences also fell by 11.5%, though they remain 40% below the UK average at 1.5 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour (0.9 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.2 per 1,000) both stayed well below national rates, reflecting Uckfield’s generally low levels of disruptive crime. Shoplifting increased slightly above the UK average, suggesting targeted retail vulnerabilities. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas showing rising trends while maintaining vigilance in sectors with persistent underperformance.

Uckfield's crime rate in January 2026 rose 17.3% from 3.9 to 4.5 per 1,000 residents, marking the first increase since late 2025. This brings the monthly total to 68 crimes — equivalent to 2 incidents per day across the town’s 15,000 population. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 220 residents, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents against local demographics. While the overall rate remains 33.8% below the UK average, the rise suggests shifting patterns in specific crime categories. The daily crime count, though low by national standards, highlights the need for sustained community awareness. This increase follows a period of relative stability, with no major spikes in any single crime type outside of drug-related offences and weapons possession. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Uckfield’s crime profile remains markedly lower than national benchmarks, even as local trends evolve.